Crispy and Savory Temple-Style Burdock Pancakes (Ueong Jeon)
Making Temple-Style Burdock Pancakes (Ueong Jeon)
Here’s a recipe for elegant and subtly flavored temple-style burdock pancakes (Ueong Jeon). The chewy texture combined with the delicate aroma of black sesame creates a healthy and delicious special dish. They’re great as a side dish for rice or a simple snack. Try making these delightful burdock pancakes at home!
Main Ingredients- 1 burdock root
- 3 Tbsp tempura flour
- 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
- Cooking oil (generous amount)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Wash the burdock root thoroughly. Use the back of a knife or a peeler to gently scrape off the skin. Then, slice it as thinly as possible, about 2-3mm thick. The thinner the slices, the softer the texture when cooked and the better it will absorb flavors, making it even more delicious.
Step 2
2. Take the sliced burdock and gently pound it on both sides using a meat mallet or the back of a knife. This process softens the fibers, resulting in a much more tender bite and helping the pieces maintain their shape during cooking.
Step 3
3. Place 3 tablespoons of tempura flour in a wide plate or bowl. Coat the softened burdock slices evenly on both sides with the tempura flour. Thoroughly coating with flour will ensure a crispy and savory finish after frying.
Step 4
4. Prepare 1 tablespoon of black sesame seeds and sprinkle them evenly over the flour-coated burdock. Mixing in black sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and makes the dish visually more appealing. If you don’t have black sesame seeds, you can omit them, but they significantly enhance the overall taste.
Step 5
5. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the burdock slices coated with black sesame seeds in the hot pan. Pan-fry them, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Cooking over medium heat, rather than high heat, ensures they cook through evenly without burning. They are perfectly done when they have a beautiful golden-brown hue!
